We knew him, sort of, but we really didn't. He was a kid when he last was in Detroit for any extended time.

Now, the Tigers' new first baseman is a man. And, yes, a father.

Apart from his hitting skill and muscle, and more revealing than the surprising baserunning speed a hefty man has shown, what strikes you about Fielder is his relationship with his sons, Jadyn, 7, and Haven, who next week turns 6.

He often brings his boys to the Tigers clubhouse on a day when Dad has a game or workouts planned. Fielder and his sons have a kind of easy equality.